Boynton Beach minister addresses push to end violence after recent spike in shootings

Residents in Boynton Beach are sleeping with one eye open Wednesday after a recent spike in shootings. A local minister and community activist are pushing to break the cycle.

“We are hurting over here, hurting really badly and we need to bring some healing into the families,” Bernard Wright said, Founder of Bernard Wright Ministries.

Wright lost friends and relatives through the barrel of a gun and has seen gun violence tear his community apart.

“They’re seeing a Wild Wild West,” Wright added.

He is behind the upcoming Robert E. Wells Festival of Love event, which is set to inspire at-risk youth and break the cycle of violence. Children will hear from guest speakers and participate in programs and educational classes to learn about the issue that’s gripping the community, and how to take action.

“We have got to nip it in the bud, and that is, we have got to address the issue.”

Wright believes if city leaders and police officer attend or get involved, it will help the violence.

There have been shootings this month so far, that’s an average of one every other day.

Four of those shootings in a matter of minutes Tuesday night. The gunfire spanning a one-mile radius. A total of 80 bullets were fired at homes and cars. No injuries, but children were among the close calls. Wright worries people will die if nothing changes.

The event is on Saturday, February 10, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Carolyn Sims Center, 225 NW 12th Avenue in Boynton Beach.